An imposter scam is a type of fraud in which a scammer pretends to be someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, government official, or company representative, in order to deceive you into giving them money or personal information. These scams can take many forms, including phone calls, emails, text messages, or even social media contacts. Common examples include someone posing as a grandchild in distress, a government agency demanding payment for taxes, or a tech support agent claiming your computer is infected with a virus. Imposter scams are one of the most prevalent types of fraud, often targeting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly.

Imposter scams can be highly sophisticated, with scammers using various tactics to create a sense of urgency and pressure their victims into making quick decisions. For instance, a scammer might claim that your bank account has been compromised and that you need to transfer funds to a "safe" account immediately. They may even spoof caller ID or email addresses to make it appear as if the message is coming from a legitimate source. In some cases, scammers use social engineering techniques, such as gathering information from social media profiles, to make their impersonation more convincing.

To protect yourself from imposter scams, it's important to be skeptical of unsolicited communications, especially those that request money or personal information. Verify the identity of the person or organization by contacting them directly using known, trusted contact information. Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords, over the phone or online. Additionally, be cautious of any communication that creates a sense of urgency or threatens consequences if you don't act immediately. By staying informed and vigilant, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to an imposter scam.